US government approves Facebook’s purchase of Oculus
We’re not sure there was ever much doubt, but the US government has given the thumbs up to Facebook’s $2 billion purchase of Oculus VR. The Federal Trade Commission examined the deal and found that it would not violate American antitrust laws. Now with most of the regulatory hurdles cleared, the focus can shift to the practical implications of the deal. Joining the Facebook family clearly puts a vast amount of resources at the disposal of Oculus founders like Palmer Luckey. But many in the development community are worried that the move represents something of a loss of innocence. Notch, the man behind Minecraft, in particular is apparently creeped out by Facebook and what it’s business model and culture could mean for the future of the Rift. We can’t pretend to know what’s coming — we’re not even sure that Mark Zuckerberg or Oculus are sure what the future holds yet. All we can say is that we really hope a VR version of Facebook isn’t in the cards.
Catcher to Supply Apple With iPhone 6 Casings as Sales Estimates Climb to 70 Million [iOS Blog]
According to Chinese and Taiwanese media sources, Apple again is contracting with Catcher Technology to supply metal casings for the company’s future smartphones, including the rumored iPhone 6. First noticed by GforGames, these reports were published this week in the Taipei Times and The China Post.
Most notably, Catcher is predicted to supply Apple with 10.5 million iPhone 6 casings and 20 million casings for other iPhone models in 2014. These figures are thought to represent 15 percent of the total casings needed for the iPhone 6, suggesting Apple could ship as many as 70 million iPhone 6 units by the end of the year.
Barclays Capital made a similar prediction, noting that Catcher is expected to boost its production between 20 and 40 percent to meet demand for the iPhone 6 in the midst of tight supply. Apple is one of Catcher’s larger clients, contributing approximately 40 percent to the supplier’s revenue.
Barclays said it expects Apple’s next-generation smartphone to be launched in the second half of the year and that shipments of the new model will be 35 to 40 percent higher than the previous one.
Catcher is likely to receive between 10 and 20 percent of the casing orders for the new iPhone, which should help lift its earnings in the second half of the year, Barclays said in a report.
Recent analysis suggests interest in a large-screen iPhone 6 is high in both North America and China, where demand for the iPhone 5s is waning and interest in the iPhone 6 is on the rise. The iPhone 6 is expected to debut this fall with a 4.7-inch display, Apple’s A8 processor, an improved Touch ID fingerprint sensor and iOS 8.
References to Siri for Apple TV Found in iOS 7.1 Code
Amid persistant rumors that Apple is developing a revamped Apple TV set-top box, new code appearing in iOS 7.1 indicates that the company is indeed working on building in support for Siri voice input on the Apple TV, as highlighted by 9to5Mac. The references are included in both iOS 7.1 and iOS 7.1.1, but not in earlier releases such as iOS 7.0.6.
The file is a supporting property-list resource for Assistant (Apple’s internal name for Siri), containing information about the feature. The UIDeviceFamily array declares what platforms are compatible with the feature.
As shown by Apple’s documentation, ’1′ and ’2′ represent the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad families. The ’3′ represents the Apple TV family.
References to a new Apple TV model were previously found in iOS 7 builds, and today’s information suggests that voice input and feedback are likely to be included on the new device.
Apple’s launch plans for a new Apple TV box remain unclear, with rumors of a late 2013 launch giving way to reports centering around an introduction in March or April of this year. Those rumors were then quashed by The Loop‘s Jim Dalrymple, leaving uncertainty about Apple’s television plans. A recent product roadmap prediction from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that the new Apple TV could arrive around September or October of this year.
Google Maps gets time machine-like feature
One of the more requested Google Maps features has become a reality as Google announces a new archive street view capability. Available in 55 countries and where allowed, the feature lets users “go back in time” and view historical imagery of notable places.
Starting today, you can travel to the past to see how a place has changed over the years by exploring Street View imagery in Google Maps for desktop. We’ve gathered historical imagery from past Street View collections dating back to 2007 to create this digital time capsule of the world.
With more than 6 million miles worth of road photographed, Google has plenty of spots with more than one image available. According to Recode, Google Street View cars have even crossed some of the same roads “every summer for eight years”.
At first it will be offered in the desktop web version of Google Maps. We might expect a mobile version down the road; imagine standing on a corner and tripping back through old images.
The post Google Maps gets time machine-like feature appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Apple’s New ‘Powerful’ iPhone 5s Micro-Site Profiles Apps from Latest TV Ad
Apple today unveiled a new section on its website dedicated to the “Powerful” ad that made its prime time television premiere on Tuesday. The commercial promotes the message that with the capabilities of the iPhone 5s “You’re more powerful than you think.”
The accompanying website continues this “Powerful” theme that promotes the iPhone 5s as having the power “to create, shape, and share your life. The power to do everyday things in extraordinary ways, and to do extraordinary things every day.” The new page includes both a high-definition version of the television commercial as well as links to all the apps showcased in the advertisement. The apps include Star Walk [iTunes], Instant Heart Rate [iTunes], Word Lens [iTunes], AmpliTube [iTunes], Luminair [iTunes] and Pacific Rim [iTunes].
The “Powerful” ad features “Gigantic” by the Pixies [iTunes] playing in the background while iPhone 5s owners use their iPhone to play music, create art and even launch amateur rockets. This new television advertisement follows the company’s earlier “Your Verse” campaign that showcases how individuals are using the iPad in amazing ways.
Free Sonos BRIDGE and 6-Month Spotify Subscription When You Buy a Sonos PLAYBAR
Everyone loves a good deal, right?
If you’ve not heard of Sonos, they are a range of speakers that you can stream media to which interconnect around your house. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are easily the rolls-royce of wireless speakers.
Unfortunately the only downside of Sonos is the price, but Amazon are today holding a deal which will help reduce the cost of setting up your own Sonos connected home.
Purchase a Sonos PLAYBAR between March 12 and May 5, 2014, at Amazon, and Sonos is offering a free Sonos BRIDGE and a free Spotify 6-month premium music streaming subscription. See http://www.sonos.com/promospotify for Sonos’ full promotional terms & conditions.
That’s a £40 saving on a £599 purchase for the PLAYBAR so perhaps won’t push you into hitting that order button, but if you’ve been on the fence then this is surely a great deal to convince you.
SOURCE: Amazon
The post Free Sonos BRIDGE and 6-Month Spotify Subscription When You Buy a Sonos PLAYBAR appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung details Galaxy Tab 4 availability for U.S.
Samsung on Wednesday confirmed the pricing and availability of the Galaxy Tab 4 series of tablets. The newest line of Wi-Fi tablets will be offered starting May 1 and will span the 7-inch, 8-inch, and 10.1-inch models. As we might expect, the various devices will be sold at retail outlets such as Best Buy, OfficeMax, Tiger Direct, and Office Depot. And, to no surprise, you’ll be able to pick one up through Samsung.com and Amazon.com as well.
Pricing breaks down as so:
- Tab 4 7.0 – $199.99
- Tab 4 8.0 – $269.99
- Tab 4 10.1 – $349.99
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 line will be offered in a choice of black or white. The new tablets will be available for purchase from major retailers nationwide on May 1 with pre-sales beginning April 24 at Samsung.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Fry’s, Office Depot, OfficeMax, PC Richard and Son, Sears, and Tiger Direct. AT&T will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 this summer. Sprint will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 this summer. T-Mobile will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 this summer. Verizon Wireless will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 and 10.1 this summer.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Available in U.S. Beginning May 1
Latest Galaxy Tab series combines value with versatility
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – April 23, 2014 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today introduced three new tablets as part of the Galaxy Tab line. The 7-, 8-, and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab 4 tablets offer a variety of screen-size options, providing various form factors to meet the needs of consumers and businesses alike. The Wi-Fi-enabled Galaxy Tab 4 portfolio, featuring a lightweight profile with thin bezels and a textured backing, will be available in the U.S. beginningMay 1, with pre-orders starting tomorrow.
“This latest addition to Samsung’s Galaxy Tab family combines versatility with value,” said Michael Abary, senior vice president of mobile computing, Samsung Electronics America. “The HD display, multitasking capabilities and easy sharing features make the Galaxy Tab 4 a great fit for both consumers and businesses.”
With its HD display, the Galaxy Tab 4 makes a great entertainment companion for the whole family. Multi User Mode lets each member of the family make the Tab 4 their own with private, customizable profiles. Kids Mode allows parents to set limits for their children, restricting accessible apps and managing length of play.
Content You Want
Samsung continues to partner with leading news, productivity and entertainment sources to provide premium content for the Galaxy Tab 4. With Galaxy Perks, consumers have access to popular and best-selling news, social media, and cloud storage applications including: Google Play, Dropbox, Sirius XM and Audible.com. For more information, visit www.samsung.com/us/galaxyperks.
Preloaded apps like Netflix and WatchOn instantly make the Galaxy Tab 4 perfect for viewing content and managing your entertainment.
Ready to Work
Whether in-the-field, at home or at the office, the Tab 4 7.0, 8.0, and 10.1 keep users connected securely, with built-in features that support enterprise-grade VPN, corporate email, on-device encryption and scalable mobile device management. The Galaxy Tab 4 lineup gives users the portability and performance they need to work on the go. Powerful quad-core processors and Samsung’s innovative Multi Window functionality provide multitasking capabilities, enabling users to simultaneously view two apps at once and drag and drop content with ease.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 line will be offered in a choice of black or white. The new tablets will be available for purchase from major retailers nationwide on May 1 with pre-sales beginning April 24 at Samsung.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Fry’s, Office Depot, OfficeMax, PC Richard and Son, Sears, and Tiger Direct. AT&T will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 this summer. Sprint will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 this summer. T-Mobile will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 this summer. Verizon Wireless will offer the 4G LTE Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 and 10.1 this summer.
The Wi-Fi enabled Galaxy Tab 4 7.0, 8.0, and 10.1 will be priced at $199.99, $269.99 and $349.99, respectively.
The post Samsung details Galaxy Tab 4 availability for U.S. appeared first on AndroidGuys.
This Chrome add-on lets you copy and erase text inside any image on the web
What would you say if we told you that it’s possible to copy, translate, edit and even erase the text inside any image you find on the internet? Well, you can, and it’s a lot easier than you might think. All it requires is a new browser extension, called Project Naptha, made by developer Kevin Kwok. It uses a number of optical character recognition (OCR) algorithms, including libraries developed by Microsoft and Google, which quickly build a model of text regions, words and letters from nearly any image.
Once installed, you simply hover your cursor over available image text and select it. Using its built-in tools, you can do a number of things: Firstly, you can copy your selection. This is great if you’ve been emailed a scanned document or a screenshot of an error message. For instance, instead of jotting things down and manually typing it back into to Google, you can simply copy and paste the output directly into your search bar. If an image includes text you don’t understand, Naptha also supports numerous translation services, allowing you to decode a previously unintelligible language (at least to you) on the fly. However, perhaps the extension’s most impressive feature is its ability to edit and remove text. Using a technique similar to Photoshop’s “Content-Aware Fill” feature called “inpainting,” Naptha captures each of the independent colours from regions around the text and intelligently fills the space where it used to be. It’s not perfect, but it certainly beats having to open a dedicated image editor.
Kwok says he’s consistently working on expanding the project, which will include bringing it to other browsers like Mozilla Firefox. Right now, not all images allow you to edit words within them, although the developer has said he hopes to include support for vertical text in the future. Project Naptha is available now for free via the official website or Google’s Chrome Web Store.
[Image credit: Wikimedia Commons]
Filed under: Internet, Software
Source: Project Naptha, Chrome Web Store
Shocker! Nobody uses Samsung bloatware
If you used a Samsung app recently it was possibly a mis-click, according to a Strategy Analytics survey of 250-plus Galaxy S3 and S4 users. While Samsung recently trumpeted 100 million users for ChatOn, for instance, the report said US users spent a mere six seconds per month on the app, compared to, say, 151 minutes on Instagram. The rest of the suite fared little better, with users spending no more than seven minutes per month on all its apps combined. By contrast, users stayed on Facebook for 11 hours and Google’s three most popular apps for 150 minutes on average. If accurate, that would be a stinging rebuke, given that Samsung’s apps are pre-installed on most of its devices and can’t be removed easily — unless, ironically, you’re in its home country.
Filed under: Software, Samsung
Via: WSJ
Source: Strategy Analytics
Google initiative will lease solar panels to consumers
Google has just announced another major investment in renewable energy — not to power its own vast data centers this time, but rather to bring cheaper electricity to the homes of ordinary Americans. Alongside solar cell manufacturer SunPower, the internet giant is starting a $250 million fund (including $100 million of its own cash) to buy up solar panels and then lease them back to American households. It promises the lease cost will be “typically lower” than a home’s regular electricity bills, but it has yet to provide specifics on the costs involved or exactly when the project is scheduled to get going. With solar panels steadily getting cheaper, it seems entirely probable that the partnership would recoup its investment over time, while still providing consumers with a financial incentive to go green.
Source: Google
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